Man due in court after young mom’s death

Leslyn Mentor and her daughter, Lesray. Leslyn was killed in an alleged gang shooting last week. Picture: Henk Kruger

Cape Town - The man who allegedly shot dead a Retreat mother who was travelling to work in a taxi was due to make his first appearance in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

The man, who cannot be named until he is formally charged, was arrested on Tuesday for the January 21 shooting.

Leslyn Mentor and the owner of the taxi, known only as Tas, were killed in an alleged gang shooting last week.

The taxi came to a standstill on Concert Boulevard close to Main Road in Retreat after being riddled by about 13 bullets.

The incident reportedly occurred during infighting between the Junkie Funkie Kids and the Corner Boys. The owner of the taxi was allegedly a member of the Corner Boys.

Mentor, who was seated behind the taxi driver, was on her way to work on her first day back from maternity leave. Her five-month-old daughter, Lesray Mentor, was at home with her grandmother, Francina Mentor.

Leslyn worked at Pick n Pay in Plumstead, where she had been a cashier for five years. She was expected back at work only in March, but returned earlier because she had no financial support. The man had not yet appeared at the time of publication.